Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly explains what went wrong against Michigan, what changes could be next…
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly addressed the media on Monday for the first time since the team’s Michigan loss on Nov. 30.
He talked about what went wrong that day in Columbus, what’s changed for the Buckeyes and the challenge at hand with Tennessee on deck in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
On the Michigan loss, and moving forward: “This game’s different, every game takes on their own identity…There’s been so much time between games.”
Kelly added that you always change things after games, and there are always things that can get better and improve.
On dictating the game, and dictating the pace against Michigan: “We didn’t. I think you’ve got to get the ball to those guys.” He added that they’ve got to find a way to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers.
Kelly said that, when you look at what’s ahead of them, it’s easier to move on from a big loss like against the Wolverines. He noted that they have two losses by four points combined this season, and they’re ready to move on after this game hung in the air for a bit longer.
On comparing the pressure of being the head coach at Ohio State to other programs: “Obviously it hurts. He understands the weight of what this position is. I think Ryan has done a great job with it. You always look to your leader. Our players thrive off of him.” Kelly added that he’s done a really good job with it.
Kelly said sometimes you have to go against conventional norms, i.e. that you have to establish the run to win a football game. “Maybe that’s not the case sometimes.”
After the hit on quarterback Will Howard, Kelly said that the team still had confidence in him, and that they always have confidence in him.
On what happened in the Michigan game that led for turnovers for Howard: “I’ve got to do a better job of putting Will in position to make plays.” He recalled the time when they threw the interception in the red zone, they had a seven-man protection and they could’ve sent more guys out on routes.
On the potential of a two-running back system, with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in the backfield at the same time: “They both basically play the same position. Neither one of those guys is a fullback, so you’re not going to line up Q at tailback or Tre at fullback, or vice versa. We’re really a one-back offense.”
On Tennessee’s defensive front, and showing the group looks they haven’t seen before: “We need to show things that are productive.” Kelly cracked he could line up some really “wacky” formations, but if they don’t gain a yard, it doesn’t quite matter.
On running the ball inside against Michigan, and what went wrong: “You always have to play to the strengths of what your players can do. They did have two really talented inside players, they also have two really talented defensive ends and I don’t think they get the credit.”
